08 civic warm up issues

#21

Quote:

1-800-999-1009

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

Thanks. I took your & Elmo's advice & opened a complaint.

The diagnosis is obvious to everyone except the service managers;
there's only one possible cause that is 100% consistent with the symptoms.

I think the biggest problem is my choice of dealers; at least I have a
choice, though. I sympathize with folks in rural / distant areas where
there's only one dealer.

#22

Robert Barr <not (AT) for (DOT) harvest> wrote in
news:asacl.228$Lr6.86 (AT) flpi143 (DOT) ffdc.sbc.com:

Quote:

1-800-999-1009

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

Thanks. I took your & Elmo's advice & opened a complaint.

The diagnosis is obvious to everyone except the service managers;
there's only one possible cause that is 100% consistent with the
symptoms.

I think the biggest problem is my choice of dealers; at least I have a
choice, though. I sympathize with folks in rural / distant areas
where there's only one dealer.

Consider yourself lucky.

I correspond with a guy in Brunei (next to Malaysia). Apparently the Honda
franchisee there has only a single dealership for all of Brunei. Two
mechanics. Lots of waiting.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

#23

"Robert Barr" <not (AT) for (DOT) harvest> wrote

Quote:

1-800-999-1009

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

Thanks. I took your & Elmo's advice & opened a complaint.

The diagnosis is obvious to everyone except the service managers; there's
only one possible cause that is 100% consistent with the symptoms.

I think the biggest problem is my choice of dealers; at least I have a
choice, though. I sympathize with folks in rural / distant areas where
there's only one dealer.

Yeah, you're in the Chicago area. The easiest thing to do first is try
another dealer. Doesn't excuse yours, but it might get you fixed faster.
You can continue to complain anyway.

Quote:

#24

On Jan 16, 6:13*pm, Tegger <inva... (AT) invalid (DOT) inv> wrote:

Quote:

Robert Barr <n... (AT) for (DOT) harvest> wrote innews:Ld8cl.13361$yr3.9161 (AT) nlpi068 (DOT) nbdc.sbc.com:

He's in Canada. He needs to deal with Honda Canada, which is a
separate company from American Honda. I've already told him this,
plus reminded him that his car's under warranty.

Uhh, actually that was the original poster who's from Canada. *I'm
from the Chicago area. *Thanks though.

Sorry. Mistaken identity.

This morning, at -18 F when I left, I had no heat. *I got two, then
three segments on the gauge. *While waiting at a light I lost one and
it dropped to two. *At -23 when I arrived at work about 20 minutes
later, the gauge had dropped back to a single element, which is what
it shows before the car is even started.

Man, and I thought we had it bad with the thermometer hovering around
zero F.

Even with all that, the engine ought to eventually reach normal
temperature in 15-20 minutes or so if the engine speed is kept
substantially above idle (as when you're driving), longer if you just
let it idle. But it WILL eventually warm up completely no matter what.
Provided the thermostat is working properly, that is.

I had to keep a window partly down because my breath was fogging the
window and I had no defrost.

I called them today and they said they'd need to 'inspect the
problem', which they've done twice now. *They said to bring it in. *I
asked what they planned to do differently. *No reply, but the guy
mentioned that 'it might be weather related'.

Now, I'm sure I've heard a more obtuse comment in recent years, but
from my viewpoint here, that pretty much takes the cake. *He wound up
hanging up on me.

I don't see why this is so hard.

If proper combustion is occurring, it is frankly impossible
for the engine NOT to reach operating temperature if the thermostat
is working properly.

Combustion chamber temperatures hover around 2,000F. That heat has
to go /somewhere/. If the thermostat does not keep the heat
corralled inside the block until full op temp has been reached,
it will go out the rad.

If anyone has the # for American Honda, please post
it.

1-800-999-1009

http://automobiles.honda.com/information/customer-relations.aspx

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQwww.tegger.com/hondafaq/

i've had similar problems with my 92 civic. i'm on my third or fourth
thermostat at this point, lost track. with two different engines.

ironic because the radiator that came with the car was in some way
defective, the car had a tendency to get overly warm from day 1; i
stupidly assumed it was normal because the radiator is so small, and
just took it easy on hot days. learned differently when the radiator
finally clogged and i replaced it. before the head gasket gave out
from all the overheating. which was the excuse i needed to get the
b16. which has "underheated" ever since, just like the original d16
did after the new radiator got put in.

anyway it reminds me of my childhood when you had to cover the car
radiator with cardboard in the winter. and here i thought those days
were gone.

#25

I just change my thermostat and I didn't see much improvement when the
weather is close to -30C. Anything to look for ?
<manreal1 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

On Jan 14, 9:56 pm, loewent <loew... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

Quote:

-35C here this morning.

My daily commute is about 35kms, mostly highway. I started the car
and allowed it to run for about 5 minutes. The block heater was
plugged in, so no excuses for being too cold. After the brief warmup,
its about 100ft to the highway, then highway speeds.

The temp gauge never moved the whole way to the city (20kms). I
finally got it to go to about 1/4 by running in a lower gear at higher
RPM, but it normally runs around 1/2. And when I came to red lights
in the city, the temp gauge would go down to 0 within a minute.

Called the dealer today, and just like every other problem I have
(touchy brakes, rattles), 'its normal operation' and he recommended I
don't run the heater fan at full blast. Problem is, at 1/2, the
heater barely warms up the interior of the car. However, with the
heater fan running slower, I was able to get the car to the normal
spot on the gauge after about 25 minutes.

We got this 2008 civic LX in January 2007. Never noticed any problems
last winter, but it really was never this cold either. The car has
32000kms on it, 2 oil changes.

I have checked the coolant level in the radiator and the resevoir, and
both are perfectly fine. Entertained damming the radiator with
cardboard, however, the outside surface of the rad is not accessible
without removing one of the plastic shrouds on the bumper. At these
temps, its not enjoyable to be outside working on this, and besides,
the plastic clips would just break due to the temperature (already
broke 1).

I have seen some Civic hybrid forums talk about using pipe insulation
from Home Depot to block the openings in the grill. I may try that
yet, but I just have this feeling that something is wrong. I have
owned many Hondas, and have never had a problem with the vehicle
reaching operating temperature.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Anything I am missing here?

Thanks
Terry in Winnipeg

Hi live in Winnipeg too and my 2001 honda civic is doing exactly the
same thing. Please let me know if you find out what is causing this
to happen.

#26

"Markov" <markov (AT) someone (DOT) com> wrote

Quote:

I just change my thermostat and I didn't see much improvement when the
weather is close to -30C. Anything to look for ?

What is the rating on your thermostat? That is - at what water temp will it
open? Common ratings are 185/195/205 degrees F (don't know what that would
be in Celsius). If you have the 185, the coolant will not provide enough
heat to warm the car at those temps. I have a 205 degree F in my 86 Civic
and it works well at temps ranging from 90F in the summer to -70F in the
winter....Just a thought>

DaveD

#27

On Feb 1, 5:00*am, "Dave D" <dtdod... (AT) acsalaska (DOT) net> wrote:

Quote:

"Markov" <mar... (AT) someone (DOT) com> wrote in message

news:0pwgl.38571$1W7.7637 (AT) newsfe11 (DOT) iad...

I just change my thermostat and I didn't see much improvement when the
weather is close to -30C. Anything to look for ?

What is the rating on your thermostat? That is - at what water temp will it
open? Common ratings are 185/195/205 degrees F (don't know what that would
be in Celsius). If you have the 185, the coolant will not provide enough
heat to warm the car at those temps. I have a 205 degree F in my 86 Civic
and it works well at temps ranging from 90F in the summer to -70F in the
winter....Just a thought

DaveD

-70F? Where are you, Alaska?

#28

"e.meyer" <epmeyer50 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

On Feb 1, 5:00 am, "Dave D" <dtdod... (AT) acsalaska (DOT) net> wrote:

Quote:

"Markov" <mar... (AT) someone (DOT) com> wrote in message

news:0pwgl.38571$1W7.7637 (AT) newsfe11 (DOT) iad...

I just change my thermostat and I didn't see much improvement when the
weather is close to -30C. Anything to look for ?

What is the rating on your thermostat? That is - at what water temp will
it
open? Common ratings are 185/195/205 degrees F (don't know what that would
be in Celsius). If you have the 185, the coolant will not provide enough
heat to warm the car at those temps. I have a 205 degree F in my 86 Civic
and it works well at temps ranging from 90F in the summer to -70F in the
winter....Just a thought

DaveD

-70F? Where are you, Alaska?

On the nose. North Pole Alaska to be precise.

DaveD

#29

On Jan 14, 7:56*pm, loewent <loew... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

Quote:

-35C here this morning.

My daily commute is about 35kms, mostly highway. *I started the car
and allowed it to run for about 5 minutes. *The block heater was
plugged in, so no excuses for being too cold. *After the brief warmup,
its about 100ft to the highway, then highway speeds.

The temp gauge never moved the whole way to the city (20kms). *I
finally got it to go to about 1/4 by running in a lower gear at higher
RPM, but it normally runs around 1/2. *And when I came to red lights
in the city, the temp gauge would go down to 0 within a minute.

Called the dealer today, and just like every other problem I have
(touchy brakes, rattles), 'its normal operation' and he recommended I
don't run the heater fan at full blast. *Problem is, at 1/2, the
heater barely warms up the interior of the car. *However, with the
heater fan running slower, I was able to get the car to the normal
spot on the gauge after about 25 minutes.

We got this 2008civicLX in January2007. *Never noticed anyproblems
last winter, but it really was never this cold either. *The car has
32000kms on it, 2 oil changes.

I have checked the coolant level in the radiator and the resevoir, and
both are perfectly fine. *Entertained damming the radiator with
cardboard, however, the outside surface of the rad is not accessible
without removing one of the plastic shrouds on the bumper. *At these
temps, its not enjoyable to be outside working on this, and besides,
the plastic clips would just break due to the temperature (already
broke 1).

I have seen someCivichybrid forums talk about using pipe insulation
from Home Depot to block the openings in the grill. *I may try that
yet, but I just have this feeling that something is wrong. *I have
owned many Hondas, and have never had a problem with the vehicle
reaching operating temperature.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? *Anything I am missing here?

Thanks
Terry in Winnipeg

Yes,

I'm having the exact same problem. I've taken my car in four times
this fall and still have problems reaching temperature. I'm 95% sure
the problem is the thermostat. Every time I ask them to check the
thermostat, and they haven't removed the thermostat once (which is the
recommended method in the dealer service manual). My old Acura Integra
(also an aluminum 1.8L) had the same problem once, I replaced the
thermostat and she was fine.

My problem is with the dealer here in Whitehorse- they keep telling me
not to run the heater at full, or that 'these little engines don't
produce as much heat'. It doesn't make sense. If the engine is at
temperature, the thermostat should open and close to keep it at
temperature. I'm paying them to replace the thermostat at my cost,
and save the parts for me. (If I get an open thermostat back I'll be
getting unglued). The thermostat should be in this week, I'll let you
know how it goes.

I'm sure you've noticed your gas consumption increase as well- I'm
getting about 250km to a tank right now, just slightly better than my
friends Land Rover. You may have also noticed the temperature drop on
long downhill roads... I can usually drop the temp from 1/2 to 1/6 on
a good hill.

FYI: I've installed some cardboard in front of the bumper, at least
now it reaches temperature when I'm on the highway... I'll keep you
posted.

Corry

#30

On Feb 3, 9:25*am, corrymar... (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:

Quote:

On Jan 14, 7:56*pm, loewent <loew... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:

-35C here this morning.

My daily commute is about 35kms, mostly highway. *I started the car
and allowed it to run for about 5 minutes. *The block heater was
plugged in, so no excuses for being too cold. *After the brief warmup,
its about 100ft to the highway, then highway speeds.

The temp gauge never moved the whole way to the city (20kms). *I
finally got it to go to about 1/4 by running in a lower gear at higher
RPM, but it normally runs around 1/2. *And when I came to red lights
in the city, the temp gauge would go down to 0 within a minute.

Called the dealer today, and just like every other problem I have
(touchy brakes, rattles), 'its normal operation' and he recommended I
don't run the heater fan at full blast. *Problem is, at 1/2, the
heater barely warms up the interior of the car. *However, with the
heater fan running slower, I was able to get the car to the normal
spot on the gauge after about 25 minutes.

We got this 2008civicLX in January2007. *Never noticed anyproblems
last winter, but it really was never this cold either. *The car has
32000kms on it, 2 oil changes.

I have checked the coolant level in the radiator and the resevoir, and
both are perfectly fine. *Entertained damming the radiator with
cardboard, however, the outside surface of the rad is not accessible
without removing one of the plastic shrouds on the bumper. *At these
temps, its not enjoyable to be outside working on this, and besides,
the plastic clips would just break due to the temperature (already
broke 1).

I have seen someCivichybrid forums talk about using pipe insulation
from Home Depot to block the openings in the grill. *I may try that
yet, but I just have this feeling that something is wrong. *I have
owned many Hondas, and have never had a problem with the vehicle
reaching operating temperature.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? *Anything I am missing here?

Thanks
Terry in Winnipeg

Yes,

I'm having the exact same problem. *I've taken my car in four times
this fall and still haveproblemsreaching temperature. *I'm 95% sure
the problem is thethermostat. *Every time I ask them to check thethermostat, and they haven't removed thethermostatonce (which is the
recommended method in the dealer service manual). My old Acura Integra
(also an aluminum 1.8L) had the same problem once, I replaced thethermostatand she was fine.

My problem is with the dealer here in Whitehorse- they keep telling me
not to run the heater at full, or that 'these little engines don't
produce as much heat'. *It doesn't make sense. *If the engine is at
temperature, thethermostatshould open and close to keep it at
temperature. *I'm paying them to replace thethermostatat my cost,
and save the parts for me. *(If I get an openthermostatback I'll be
getting unglued). *Thethermostatshould be in this week, I'll let you
know how it goes.

I'm sure you've noticed your gas consumption increase as well- I'm
getting about 250km to a tank right now, just slightly better than my
friends Land Rover. *You may have also noticed the temperature drop on
long downhill roads... I can usually drop the temp from 1/2 to 1/6 on
a good hill.

FYI: I've installed some cardboard in front of the bumper, at least
now it reaches temperature when I'm on the highway... I'll keep you
posted.

Corry

Forgot to mention that I drive an 07 Civic. This is its first cold
winter, so I'm only noticing the problem now.

C